LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — The Marine Exchange of Southern California Tuesday unveiled a renewable energy makeover for the vessel traffic control tower at the port of Los Angeles.

Nearly 300 solar panels and four wind turbines will provide enough electricity to power the tower that serves as a “traffic cop” for the big ships coming into the harbor.

The Marine Exchange facility uses radar, radio and computer systems to track nearly 5,000 boats and ships moving within 100 miles of San Pedro Bay, from San Diego to Port Hueneme.

The $450,000 project, funded by the Port of Los Angeles and the Department of Water and Power, now makes the center essentially self-sufficient in power.

Officials hope it serves as a model for other ports around the country.

“With this project, the Marine Exchange gains its energy independence and Los Angeles takes another step forward to becoming one of the world’s cleanest big cities,” said Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa said.